Define an Essay: Multiple Choice Quiz and Example

This quiz will test your understanding of the basic definition and structure of an essay. Answer each question by selecting the correct option and typing the letter of your answer in the space provided.

Multiple Choice Quiz

1. The definition of the word 'essay' is

a. a long paragraph on a single topic b. a long piece of writing that is long enough to cover many topics and present different viewpoints c. A piece of writing on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the writer

Answer: C

2. An essay is a type of writing that you normally do

A. in a work situation B. at the high school or college level C. when you want to tell a story

Answer: B

3. When writing an essay, it is acceptable to write in the first person (using 'I' and 'me').

A. almost always B. sometimes C. never

Answer: B

4. A topic is

A. a specific subject; what the essay is about B. an opinion; what you think C. a broad field; all of your ideas in a given area

Answer: A

5. A topic sentence is a sentence that

A. is the first one in a paragraph B. is the most interesting C. tells what the paragraph is about

Answer: C

6. In an essay, the introduction

A. introduces the writer B. introduces the topic and your opinion about it C. summarizes the main points

Answer: B

7. The main body of an essay is made up of

A. the conclusion B. introduction C. body paragraphs

Answer: C

8. The conclusion of an essay

A. introduces the topic B. presents evidence to support your thesis C. summarizes the main points and restates the thesis statement.

Answer: C

9. Most of the examples and support in an essay appear in

A. the introduction B. the body paragraphs C. the conclusion

Answer: B

10. When you write an academic essay, your audience is usually

A. yourself B. your friends and family C. your teacher and classmates

Answer: C

Example Essay

The following example demonstrates a short paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and transitions:

Once people were very much afraid of ghosts. Their fear led them to develop elaborate rituals to ward off encounters with the dead. For example, since primitive people believed that ghosts could only travel in straight lines, they would build their homes with winding corridors to confuse the spirits. They also believed that ghosts could not cross water, so they would build bridges or place stepping stones across streams and rivers. These rituals were passed down from generation to generation and became ingrained in many cultures. Today, while many people no longer believe in ghosts, some of these rituals still persist as cultural traditions.

Analysis

Topic Sentence: Once people were very much afraid of ghosts.

Supporting Details: None of the sentences should be crossed out. All of them provide evidence and details about the fear of ghosts and the rituals developed to ward them off.

Transitions: For example, Today,

This is just a small example, but it illustrates the importance of a clear topic sentence and supporting details in essay writing. By understanding the key elements of essay structure, you can write clear and effective essays that engage your reader and effectively communicate your ideas.